Welcome to the GRSL Junior Division!

You might ask yourself “Why would the GRSL, an adult co-recreational soccer league, organize a Junior Division?” Good question, but if you are interested in playing in this league, chances are you already have a clue. It has become apparent over the past several years that the opportunities for teenage soccer players in our community has polarized – you can play in one of the local ‘select’ leagues, which demand lots of time & money, or you can look for pick up games (good luck!). Once players have played through the ranks of organizations like YSI, there are few chances for good, organized games of soccer unless you are fortunate enough to afford the select leagues.

GRSL would like to offer an alternative…

Who is the Junior Division for?

GRSL is investigating the interest of players, young men and women, ages 13-17, to form teams to compete against each other in both regular season matches as well as season-concluding tournaments.

When will the teams play?

Junior Division will have regularly scheduled games on Saturdays each week, avoiding holiday weekends and working in concert with school schedules. Like the adult teams, each Junior Division team will decide how often it will practice and where it will practice – in this way, flexibility is built in to each team to best accommodate the schedules of the players and their families.

Where will the teams play?

Games will be held at Forest Park (SW 20^th Avenue & SW 43^rd Street). Teams will also be able to schedule blocks of time for practices at Forest if they desire.

Who organizes the teams?

GRSL will participate in the forming and organization of teams and will oversee the management of teams, however, each team will have a player who is designated as the Captain, who will have the responsibility of communicating with league officials regarding team activities. By this age, most players understand the mechanics of team play and need very little guidance to enjoy a good game of soccer. Like the adult teams, each team is allowed to have a ‘coach’ or ‘manager’ who can be a friend or adult who assists the team with organizational matters.

Will this be young men’s teams, young women’s teams or co-recreational?

Based on the response of interested players, we will make decisions regarding the constitution of the teams to best accommodate the group of players.

How much will it cost?

GRSL has been organizing adult soccer since 1982 as a non-profit venture. In the spirit of this endeavor, we have always made the league as cheap as possible – charging only what is necessary to meet expenses. No league official earns money through league work. We expect the cost for Junior Division to parallel that of the adult divisions – a minimum ten game season will cost each players about $60. There are no travel expenses, hotel costs, time on the road…

When does the Junior Division start?

We anticipate our first Junior Division season Summer 2009.

Will it be safe?

All games will be officiated by state certified referees and will be governed by the Laws of the Game. League officials will not monitor practice sessions however, we encourage parents to attend the sessions, at least initially, to gauge their concern. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend both practices as well as games to cheer for their kids.

Will this conflict with my other obligations?

Because the teams require such minimal involvement, it is unlikely to conflict with other activities. Teams can practice as often as they like, with optional attendance. Teams are allowed up to twenty-two players, so missing an occasional game seldom causes hardship on the team. Game schedules will also attempt to avoid obvious high school events, etc.

So, again, why do this?

If you love playing a good competitive game of soccer, enjoy the camaraderie of a team sport and would like to do so without breaking your bank or consuming your entire weekend (or weeknights), the Junior Division would be a great place to play. With over 600 adults, the GRSL has been providing an avenue for players from around the world to demonstrate their skills and character for over 20 years… so why not do the same for our local young players? Call your friends, talk it over and give the Junior Division a try…It will be great fun!

What’s the next step?

Send us an email: j-division AT grsl.org

Please send your name, birthdate, email address, phone number. Please ask any questions you might have…we will answer them and will update you as the development of the Division continues. Again, we expect to field eight teams for Summer of 2009! Thanks!